This post originally appeared on the Amoeblog. Today is the date traditionally recognized as the birthday of one of my favorite Japanese artists, 葛飾 北斎 (Katsushika Hokusai). Without a doubt, he is one of (if not the) most famous Japanese artists of all time. His best-known work is the ukiyo-e woodblock print series 富嶽三十六景 (Thirty-six … Continue reading Happy birthday, Hokusai!
Month: October 2012
Gower Gulch and the sort of beginning of Hollywood
The Hollywood neighborhood emerged as a small village in the late 19th century and was incorporated as its own municipality in 1903. But for most people in the world, “Hollywood” is synonymous with the commercial American film, which established itself there first in an area that came to be known as "Gower Gulch." Before Hollywood … Continue reading Gower Gulch and the sort of beginning of Hollywood
Nobody Drives in LA — Get Out of the Car: Walking CicLAvia No. 5
With bicycles, buses, ferries, planes, rideshares, sidewalks, subways, taxis, and trains at Angelenos’ disposal, why would any sane person choose car-dependency? Nobody Drives in LA celebrates sense and sensibility in transportation. ***** Los Angeles, like many cities, is experiencing a new level of connectedness. The opening of new train lines, an increase in bicycling events and trails, kayak tours of … Continue reading Nobody Drives in LA — Get Out of the Car: Walking CicLAvia No. 5
Krazy Kat – One of the kolossal komics in the kontinuum debuted 13 October 1913
INTRO TO KRAZY KAT On 15 October, Google paid tribute to Winsor McCay's comic, Little Nemo in Slumberland, which debuted on that date in 1905. It was a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest comic strips of all time. Just two days earlier, though not celebrated by Google (I don't expect them to honor … Continue reading Krazy Kat – One of the kolossal komics in the kontinuum debuted 13 October 1913
Happy Birthday, Simeon Solomon
Simeon Solomon was a Jewish Pre-Raphaelite painter. He was born 9 October, 1840 at No. 3 Sandys Street, Bishopsgate, London, England. Were he alive today he'd be turning 172. Solomon was the eighth and last child Michael (Meyer) Solomon, manufacturer of Leghorn hats, and artist Catherine Levy. Two of his older siblings, Abraham and Rebecca, were … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Simeon Solomon
What a wild, wild scene – A look back at Ditch Parties for Hispanic Heritage Month
INTRODUCTION TO DPS Truancy is presumably exactly as old as education. Some 800,000 years ago in the Middle East, people learned how to start fires. Though an important skill and an entertaining subject, I’m sure that some frustrated student thought to her or his self, “Lame. I’m outta here.” Later truants organized parties during school … Continue reading What a wild, wild scene – A look back at Ditch Parties for Hispanic Heritage Month
“I Like Big Bird” – Happy Birthday, PBS, and Happy Teachers’ Day
INTRODUCTION Today is the birthday of PBS and also Teachers' Day. For any reader that might not know, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is a non-profit American public broadcasting television network headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It was founded on this date (5 October, 1970), 42 years ago, in 1970, after the termination of its predecessor, National Educational … Continue reading “I Like Big Bird” – Happy Birthday, PBS, and Happy Teachers’ Day
Eric Brightwell 